That quick trip to someone’s house for cheaper dental work just landed one Miami woman in front of a judge.
Police say 54-year-old Karim S. Cordova appeared in bond court Thursday after investigators accused her of performing dental work out of her home. An arrest report lists counts of practicing dentistry without a license and possession of a controlled substance, and video of the case has been making the rounds on local newscasts and social media this week.
What police say
According to Spot On Florida, which excerpts an NBC 6 clip, Cordova was taken into custody Wednesday after Miami-Dade investigators said she was operating an illegal dental practice from her residence. The arrest report lists charges of practicing dentistry without a license and possession of a controlled substance, and the original video is posted by NBC 6 South Florida. In the clip, officials can be seen escorting the suspect through a brief bond court appearance.
State law and penalties
Under Florida law, offering dental services without an active license violates Chapter 466 and is classified as a third-degree felony, which can carry prison time and fines, as outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 466. Prosecutors and courts treat unlicensed practice of health professions as a public-safety issue, given that improper dental procedures and unregulated drugs can cause serious harm.
Background and how to check
Public records show a 2017 Florida Department of Health press release naming a “Karim Selene Cordova Rivera” who was arrested after an undercover operation that alleged unlicensed dental work in Miami. That release and this week’s reporting share a similar name, but news outlets have not confirmed whether the two matters involve the same person…